Dog Trainers in California 478 Programs Across 35 Cities

California has 478 dog training programs across 35 cities, with starts at around $86 for a 5-week group course, with private sessions averaging $150 per hour, and board and train programs running $515$2,009 per week, based on 249 programs that publish pricing. Using our published criteria, the cities with the most published programs are Riverside, North Hollywood, and Pleasanton.

This guide covers dog training costs across California, how prices vary by metro, state licensing rules for dog trainers, and which programs hold verified certifications. Browse by city below, or compare programs by type.

Last updated: Aug 24, 2026

Private Lessons in California

Showing trainers that publish this program type · 57 match.

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K9 Optima
Antioch, CA
Score 98

Specializes in severe reactivity and aggression cases using helper dogs for controlled exposure; board-and-train dogs live in-home rather than kenneled

5.0(167 Google Reviews)

Board and Train runs 2 to 6 weeks, from $2,900 to $8,700, with boarding included throughout. Private Lessons cover both obedience and reactivity work—single reactivity sessions are $300, or $900 for a four-session package; a separate four-session obedience package runs $600. The obedience option is designed specifically for high-drive breeds like shepherds, Malinois, and bully breeds. Virtual Training is also available at $250 per session, suited for owners working through a specific behavior problem.

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Aly's Puppy Boot Camp
Aly's Puppy Boot Camp
Arroyo Grande, CA
Score 91

Board-and-train on a working ranch with farm animal exposure; known locally as the "Doodle Whisperer" and also sells pre-trained puppies ready for families

5.0(70 Google Reviews)

Board and Train programs range from a 5-day day-training option at $1,750 to multi-week residential stays priced between $3,950 and $4,500, running 2 to 3 weeks depending on the program. Most include handoff and follow-up sessions. Private Lessons are structured as courses: a 4-session program at $1,200 or a 6-week AKC-focused bootcamp at $1,800. In-Home Training is also available, though pricing for that option isn't currently published.

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Active Canine Academy — dog training in Riverside, CA
Active Canine Academy
Riverside, CA
Score 90

Board & train programs from two to five weeks, plus specialized separation anxiety and service dog training across Riverside, LA, and Orange County

5.0(55 Google Reviews)

Board and Train ranges from $1,990 for a two-week puppy program (ages 2-5 months) up to $4,000 for five weeks, which includes follow-up and handoff sessions. Private Lessons are $150 per session or $1,000 for ten, with lifetime support included. Group Classes run five weeks for $600. Virtual Training is $100 per session ($900 for ten) or $600 per month for separation anxiety work. Service dog training pricing is available on request.

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Fidelis K9 — dog training in Orangevale, CA
Fidelis K9
Orangevale, CA
Score 97

Rancho Cordova dog training with drop-off School of Foundations programs, Private Lessons, Group Classes, aggression-focused Private Lessons, and advanced CGC and UCGC preparation.

5.0(51 Google Reviews)

School of Foundations is a daytime drop-off format offered for 5, 10, or 15 days at $1,015 to $3,045, with dogs returning home nightly. Private Lessons cost $200 for non-members or $250 for aggressive dogs, while a four-lesson puppy package costs $480. Group Classes start at $225 for the first month, then $59 monthly for one dog or $89 for multiple dogs. A 20-day Boot Camp is $4,660 and includes Private Lessons, Group Classes, CGC preparation, testing, and certificates.

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Custom-K9 Bay Area Dog Training & Boarding — dog training in Pacifica, CA

Balanced, relationship-based dog training in Pacifica with private in-home coaching, day training, group workshops, board-and-train, structured daycare, and boarding for Bay Area dogs.

5.0(26 Google Reviews)

Private training costs $200 for one session, $540 for three, or $850 for five. Day Training is sold in 12-day and 24-day packages, currently advertised at promotional prices of $1,260 and $2,340, with one or two at-home private sessions included. Sunday group workshops cost $45. First-time private and day-training clients must purchase a Facility Consultation. Board & Train is also offered, but its current price and duration are not published in the provided pages.

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JStoutco. Dog Training
JStoutco. Dog Training
Elk Grove, CA
Score 95

Small home facility limited to 6 dogs, with board-and-train programs that bring owners into sessions to learn handling and reinforce commands at home

5.0(19 Google Reviews)

Board and Train programs range from a 2-week puppy option at $2,000 up to a 6-week program at $4,500, with a 4-week basic program at $2,500. All training programs require a prong collar. Boarding without training is available at $75 per day, with optional training add-ons at $50 per hour, and daycare runs $50 per day. Private Lessons are $100 per session, or you can save with a six-session package for $500.

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I Heart K9
Riverside, CA
Score 90

Working dog and protection training led by a 30-year instructor with K9 handler background, plus beginner obedience and reactive dog help

4.9(37 Google Reviews)

Group Classes range from $20 to $40 per session, with obedience-only options at $20 and combined obedience and protection training at $40 across two days—though protection work requires prior obedience participation. Puppy obedience classes are also available at $20 per session on Wednesday nights. Private Lessons are $75 per session, while In-Home Training is $100 per session, available locally in Riverside with a travel fee for those more than 20 minutes from the training field.

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K9 Parent Training LLC — dog training in Palm Desert, CA
K9 Parent Training LLC
Palm Desert, CA
Score 90

Balanced dog training in Palm Springs with private in-home coaching, virtual sessions, residential Doggie Training Camp, alumni maintenance stays, behavior modification, and educational workshops.

4.9(21 Google Reviews)

Free consultation

Virtual training costs $90 for one session or $240 for three. In-home private training is $200 for a single session, $450 for three, or $700 for five. Doggie Training Camp costs $1,000 per week with a three-week minimum, while more challenging cases commonly require four to six weeks. Alumni maintenance stays are $100 per day. A free phone consultation, variable-price workshops, and $1,000 full-day training for individuals or organizations are also offered.

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Wild Dog Pet Services
Wild Dog Pet Services
Arroyo Grande, CA
Score 96

Combines positive reinforcement with tools like prong or e-collars based on each dog's needs; addresses aggression, anxiety, and basic obedience through in-home or public sessions

4.9(17 Google Reviews)

Private Lessons are offered at two price points depending on the focus. Basic obedience sessions run $60 each, while sessions addressing behavior issues are $70 each. Both are sold individually rather than as packages, giving owners flexibility to book as needed without committing to a set number upfront. No other program types such as Board and Train, Group Classes, or Virtual Training appear to be listed at this time.

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California Canine Dog Training — dog training in Pacific Grove, CA
California Canine Dog Training
Pacific Grove, CA
Score 93

Force-free dog training in Pacific Grove with private lessons, puppy and obedience classes, agility, reactivity support, separation-anxiety training, scent work, recall, and therapy-dog preparation.

4.8(85 Google Reviews)

Private training costs $115 for one 30-minute session, $425 for four sessions, or $775 for an eight-session rescue-dog package. Group classes use flexible packs priced at $215 for five classes or $375 for ten. Fixed workshops range from $150 for three-week recall or loose-leash programs to $350 for six-week Therapy Dog Certification Prep. Evaluations cost $45 to $60. Separation-anxiety training begins with a minimum four-week program, but pricing is not published.

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Which California cities have dog trainers?

Every city below has at least three published programs.

How much does dog training cost in California?

Dog training prices in California by program type
Program typeTypical lowTypical highMedianSamples
Board and Train$78 per program$4,960 per program$2,850 per program87
Private Lessons$79 per program$1,815 per program$200 per program78
Virtual Training$50 per program$559 per program$149 per program15
In-Home Training$100 per program$1,481 per program$250 per program32
Group Classes$88 per program$300 per program$215 per program50

For national medians, method disclosure, and certification rates, see The State of Dog Training in America 2026 report →

Which other California dog trainers can I compare?

Programs in smaller California markets (fewer than three published listings in their city).

Do dog trainers in California need a license?

California requires dog trainers to disclose civil judgments and animal cruelty convictions under Assembly Bill 1901 (effective January 2023). Ask trainers how they meet AB 1901 disclosure requirements before you book.

Frequently asked questions about dog trainers in California

Do dog trainers in California need a license?

California does not issue a general license for dog trainers, but AB 1901 requires disclosure of certain civil judgments and animal cruelty convictions. Always ask for that disclosure in writing.

How should I compare dog trainers across California?

Compare published program types, pricing when available, certifications, and whether they accept reactive dogs. Prefer clear method language over vague promises.

Why do some California cities have more listings than others?

We only publish city pages once at least three verified programs are listed. Smaller markets are grouped under the state directory until inventory grows.